Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe

You’re about to discover a mouthwatering dish that will change your opinion of Brussels sprouts forever. In this tantalizing recipe, fresh Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, enhancing their natural sweetness and bringing out their delightful nutty flavor. But that’s not all – the addition of roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese takes these sprouts to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready to savor each bite of these crispy, golden, and irresistibly savory Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are the star of this recipe. They are miniature cabbage-like vegetables with a slightly bitter and nutty flavor. Be sure to choose fresh and firm Brussels sprouts for the best results.

Garlic

Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the Brussels sprouts. Roasting the garlic beforehand brings out its sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese is a classic addition to roasted vegetables. It adds a rich and savory flavor, as well as a nice texture when it melts and slightly browns in the oven.

Olive oil

Olive oil is used to coat the Brussels sprouts and garlic before roasting, adding moisture and enhancing the flavors. It also helps to achieve a crispy and golden exterior.

Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and balance the dish. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

Preparation

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s prepare the necessary ingredients.

Cleaning and trimming the Brussels sprouts

Start by rinsing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim the ends and remove any yellowed or damaged leaves. If the Brussels sprouts are particularly large, you can halve or quarter them for more even cooking.

Roasting the garlic

To roast the garlic, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a whole head of garlic and carefully remove the outermost layer of skin, leaving the cloves intact. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle some olive oil over the exposed cloves and wrap the head tightly in aluminum foil. Place the garlic in the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool slightly before handling.

Roasting the Brussels sprouts

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure they are evenly coated. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Finishing touches

Once the Brussels sprouts and garlic are cooked, it’s time to bring all the flavors together. In a large mixing bowl, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Add the roasted Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss them together to coat the sprouts with the garlic paste. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts and gently toss again to evenly distribute the cheese.

Step-by-step Instructions

Now that all the preparations are complete, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions to make these mouthwatering Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts.

Step 1: Cleaning and trimming the Brussels sprouts

Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the ends and discard any yellowed or damaged leaves. You can also cut the larger sprouts into halves or quarters for more even cooking.

Step 2: Roasting the garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a whole head of garlic and remove the outermost layer of skin. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves and wrap the head tightly in aluminum foil. Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden.

Step 3: Roasting the Brussels sprouts

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper to evenly coat them. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and slightly browned.

Step 4: Finishing touches

In a large mixing bowl, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Add the roasted Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss them together to coat the sprouts with the garlic paste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts and gently toss again to evenly distribute the cheese.

Tips and Variations

If you’re looking to add some extra deliciousness to your Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts, consider trying out these tips and variations:

Adding bacon or pancetta

For a meaty addition, you can cook and crumble some bacon or pancetta before tossing it with the Brussels sprouts. The smoky and salty flavors of the bacon will complement the roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese perfectly.

Adding balsamic glaze

Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the finished Brussels sprouts just before serving to add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. The glaze will beautifully balance the richness of the roasted garlic and Parmesan.

Adding lemon zest

If you want to brighten up the dish, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the roasted Brussels sprouts. The lemon zest will add a refreshing and citrusy note, complementing the nutty flavors of the sprouts.

Adding pine nuts

For an extra crunch, you can toast some pine nuts and toss them with the finished Brussels sprouts. The pine nuts will add a nice texture contrast to the tender sprouts and bring out their earthy flavors.

FAQs

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?

The Brussels sprouts are done when they are tender and slightly browned on the edges. You can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork or tasting one to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen ones if fresh ones are not available. However, keep in mind that frozen Brussels sprouts may have a slightly different texture and may require adjustments to the cooking time.

How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. There are several dairy-free Parmesan-style cheeses available in stores or you can make a homemade vegan Parmesan cheese using nutritional yeast, cashews, and salt.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you have successfully learned how to make Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts! This recipe combines the flavors of tender Brussels sprouts, roasted garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese to create a delicious and satisfying side dish. Whether you’re serving it alongside a main course or enjoying it as a vegetarian main dish, these Brussels sprouts are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to get creative with additional toppings or variations to suit your taste. Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious creation!